Lucy’s Books
Lucy Byrne is a published author with numerous peer-reviewed academic publications, and three books — two for adults and one for children (and their adults!).
Blending academic rigour with real-world, community-focused storytelling, Lucy’s writing translates evidence into ideas people can actually use.
Across all ages and settings, Lucy’s books support individuals, families and communities to live happier, healthier lives.
The Silly Things Mum Says
(Lucy Byrne)
The Silly Things Mum Says is a warm, playful children’s book that celebrates the everyday sayings parents use to teach life’s big lessons. Through the eyes of Ollie-Bollie and Bobs, readers discover how humour, kindness and curiosity can help children understand healthy habits and emotional wellbeing in ways that feel natural and fun.
Lucy was inspired to write the book after realising how tricky it can be for parents to explain healthy habits in ways that truly make sense to children. When her six-year-old son could name all the planets in the solar system but didn’t understand why sugar wasn’t great for him, it highlighted the gap between information and understanding, and the power of simple, relatable language.
Ideal for parents and grandparents, The Silly Things Mum Says is also a valuable tool for childcare workers and primary school educators, offering a fun and engaging way to start age-appropriate conversations with children about healthy lifestyle habits in language children recognise and remember.
After all, the silliest things adults say often turn out to be the most meaningful.
Order your copy below or for bulk orders for early-years settings please contact us directly.
Knowledge in Action: University–Community Engagement in Australia (Anderson & Bartkowiak-Théron, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2014)
This edited volume examines how Australian universities and community partners exchange knowledge to support social, economic and civic development. Through multidisciplinary case studies, the book explores the challenges and enablers of effective university–community engagement and highlights innovative, practice-based approaches across Australia.
Lucy co-authored the chapter The Active Launceston Health Promotion Initiative, which presents a case-based examination of a community-led health promotion program. The chapter explores how university–community collaboration supported local action, knowledge exchange and practical health outcomes, highlighting lessons for designing and sustaining place-based initiatives.
Available here. In line with standard academic publishing practice, contributing authors do not receive royalties.
Research Methods in Physical Activity and Health (Edited by Stephen R. Bird)
This book provides a comprehensive guide to research methods in physical activity and health, covering the full research process from conceptualisation and methodology selection through to measurement, analysis and dissemination. It emphasises the importance of producing high-quality evidence that can inform policy, practice and population health outcomes.
Lucy co-authored the chapter Translating Research Findings into Community Interventions: Considerations for Design and Implementation – A Case-Based Approach. The chapter focuses on bridging the gap between research and practice, using applied case studies to examine how evidence can be effectively translated into community-based interventions, with attention to design, implementation and real-world constraints.
Available here. In line with standard academic publishing practice, contributing authors do not receive royalties.